For great views over Santa Cruz, take the relatively easy 2km hike north of town to La Palma’s main object of pilgrimage, the 17th-century Santuario de la Virgen de las Nieves with its fabulously ornate interior. The wooden Mudéjar-carved ceiling, sculptures galore and sparkling crystal chandeliers are the precursor to the Virgin Mary herself, surrounded by a glittering altar. This14th-century sculpture is the oldest religious statue in the Canary Islands and is captivatingly original and almost contemporary in its design.
The sculpture was believed to have been brought by merchants before the arrival of the Spaniards; every five years she is carried down to Santa Cruz in a grand procession.
The church sits in a peaceful spot surrounded by trees and greenery, all in typical Canarian colonial style with balconies and simple facades. To walk from Plaza Alameda, follow the road, which becomes a signposted dirt track, westwards up the gorge of the Barranco de las Nieves. It will take nearly 45 minutes to walk up, but coming back is faster. By car, follow signs from Avenida Marítima where it crosses the barranco (ravine), then turn right on the Carretera de las Nieves (LP-101) and continue winding up the hillside until you see signs for the sanctuary. The curve-filled 5km trip takes nearly 15 minutes. Bus 10 (€2, approximately 20 minutes) comes up hourly from the town centre from 6.45am until 8.45pm, less frequently on weekends.
There’s a restaurant in the church grounds, as well as a children's playground.
